Energy Vault has entered into a strategic partnership with RackScale Data Centers (RSDC) to deploy cutting-edge battery energy storage systems (BESS) across RSDC-operated data center sites. This collaboration aims to deliver 2GW/20GWh of primary power, a move designed to meet the growing power demands of the data center sector.
What is the B-Nest Battery Storage System?
Energy Vault’s proprietary solution, the B-Nest battery storage system, will play a pivotal role in this partnership. The B-Nest is a modular, multi-story structure specifically engineered to house lithium-ion battery storage units. With the ability to store up to 1.6GWh of energy per acre, the system is expected to offer data centers a sustainable source of primary power for over 10 hours.
This system’s high energy density and unique design make it a breakthrough technology for data center operations. The focus on BESS represents a significant step toward meeting the rapidly increasing energy requirements, especially with the accelerated growth of AI-driven data center needs.
How Will This Partnership Impact Data Center Operations?
With data centers facing an increasing demand for power, Energy Vault and RackScale aim to provide scalable and reliable energy solutions. The B-Nest system is designed to mitigate power grid dependency by offering a stable, renewable energy backup.
RackScale CEO, Trent D’Ambrosio, emphasized the importance of this innovation: “The B-Nest system’s high energy density and advanced safety design are game-changers for our operations. It enables us to accelerate firm grid power interconnections and onsite generation, which is critical for meeting the growing needs of our data center sites.”
The energy storage solution will also allow RSDC to optimize operational efficiency by integrating advanced demand response programs, which are crucial for grid stability and supporting renewable energy expansion. This collaboration offers an eco-friendly and cost-efficient way to decarbonize data center operations.
When Will the Construction Begin?
Construction on the BESS infrastructure is slated to begin in 2026, with Energy Vault expected to start building at RSDC data center locations. Although the exact sites and the total capacity for these data centers have not been disclosed, the announcement signals a forward-thinking approach to sustainable energy practices in the data center industry.
The Role of Renewable Energy in Data Center Power Solutions
As the data center industry continues to expand, so does the pressure to balance power needs with sustainability goals. Data centers are consuming increasingly higher amounts of energy, particularly with the rise of AI technologies and the overall digital transformation. Energy Vault’s B-Nest system could provide a scalable solution to this challenge.
Marco Terruzzin, Energy Vault’s Chief Commercial and Product Officer, highlighted the urgency of adopting renewable energy generation and storage technologies: “With the rapid increase in power demand from the rise of the data center sector, it is absolutely essential that renewable energy generation and storage become key points of focus to power the AI data center boom.”
Financial and Environmental Benefits of BESS Technology
By integrating the B-Nest system into RSDC’s data center operations, the partners expect to generate supplementary revenue through participation in demand response programs. These programs allow businesses to adjust their energy consumption during peak periods, benefiting both local utilities and businesses by maintaining grid stability.
Additionally, this technology has strong environmental benefits. Data center operators are under increasing pressure to lower their carbon footprints, and the B-Nest offers a way to not only reduce reliance on fossil fuels but also to support the shift toward green energy sources. As governments and businesses seek to meet net-zero emissions targets, the demand for innovative energy storage solutions like B-Nest will continue to grow.
The Growing Role of Energy Storage in Decarbonizing Data Centers
The data center sector has increasingly turned to battery storage as a method to meet sustainability goals. Battery energy storage systems are seen as a practical solution to mitigate the challenges of renewable energy intermittency. Systems like the B-Nest allow for the storage of excess energy produced during off-peak hours, ensuring that power is available when demand spikes.
In October 2024, Amazon also partnered with the Swiss battery startup Unbound Potential to trial BESS technology at its European logistics centers. This move aligns with broader industry trends that favor energy storage as a key component of data center decarbonization efforts.
Energy Vault’s Growth and Expansion Strategy
Energy Vault is positioning itself as a leader in long-duration energy storage with a portfolio that includes both kinetic and gravity-based storage solutions. In addition to its recent partnership with RackScale, the company has secured deals globally, including a gravity-based storage project in southern Africa. This international expansion highlights the company’s growing influence in the energy storage sector.
Energy Vault’s ability to deliver multiple gigawatt-hours of energy storage within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region further underscores its global ambitions. The company’s continued focus on advancing energy storage technology positions it well to address the global demand for sustainable energy solutions.
FAQ: Key Insights on Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) for Data Centers
What is a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)?
A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is a system that stores energy using batteries, allowing businesses to store excess energy and use it during peak demand periods. In the case of data centers, BESS helps reduce dependency on grid power and supports renewable energy integration.
How Does the B-Nest System Work?
The B-Nest is a modular, multi-story structure that houses lithium-ion batteries. It offers high energy density, allowing it to store up to 1.6GWh per acre, and can provide backup power to data centers for up to 10 hours.
What Are the Benefits of Battery Storage for Data Centers?
Battery storage systems like the B-Nest help data centers reduce their carbon footprint by providing backup energy from renewable sources. They also optimize grid stability, lower energy costs, and support demand response programs.
How Will the RackScale and Energy Vault Partnership Benefit Data Centers?
This partnership will deliver reliable, renewable energy storage for data centers, reducing dependency on grid power and enabling faster connections to the grid. It also opens the door for participation in demand response programs, enhancing revenue potential and sustainability.
Why is Battery Storage Important for the Future of Data Centers?
As the data center industry grows, the need for reliable and sustainable energy solutions is critical. Battery storage allows data centers to manage power demand more efficiently, support renewable energy integration, and reduce operational costs.
